Andrey's staff met Guile's blade in a shower of sparks, the impact reverberating through his arms. He pushed forward, forcing Guile back a step, but the assassin moved like water—flowing around the strike, his blade already arcing toward Andrey's exposed side.
Andrey twisted, the tip of Guile's sword grazing his ribs as he pivoted. He retaliated with a sweep of his staff, but Guile's form dissolved into shadow, the weapon passing through empty air.
Guile reformed a few feet away, his pale gray eyes gleaming with amusement. "Speed is a crutch for those who lack real skill."
Andrey's gaze remained fixed on him, his breathing controlled. "Then let me show you what real skill looks like."
He lunged forward, his staff extending mid-swing, the tip aimed at Guile's chest. Guile sidestepped, but Andrey anticipated the move—he twisted, the staff curving to strike Guile's shoulder.
